February 2017 Recap

Santa Barbara Art in Nordstrom Paseo Nuevo

Dear Bookclub,
Terry's round table set the perfect stage for our discussion of Ann Patchett's "Commonwealth". Soup, salad and saga. We really liked this book. As refreshing as lunch, Patchett's writing style and story re-energized our imaginations about a particular time in suburban America and our appreciation for a well-told tale.

Terry suggested a long list for an upcoming read but the first three were the official suggestions; the second three were old wannabe's from Terry's stacks:

"A Gentleman in Moscow" Amor Towles
"Hillbilly Elegy" J.D. Vance *chosen
The Underground Railroad" Colson Whitehead

"Swamplandia!" Karen Russell
"We the Animals" Justin Torres
"The Submission" Amy Waldman

Up next,  Ivan Doig's "Last Bus to Wisdom":

Happy reading,
LK

February 2017 Bookclub News

Baker Museum, Naples, FL

Dear Bookclub,
Ann Patchett's "Commonwealth" was a welcome read while R&R'ing it in Naples, FL this past week. Filling my head with lots of ideas and images (see above), the romp through decades of one 'family's' journey will give us lots to discuss this Wednesday at Terry's. Feeling a familiar thread as I read, I revisited Patchett interviews and confirmed the voice from a Terry Gross interview for "This is the Story of a Happy Marriage" - (one of my very favorite books!!):

http://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=265228054:265260723

I knew these stories underlying "Commonwealth"; straight outta Patchett.

Just as interesting,  AP's discussion from the Diane Rehm interview (if you can't listen, hit the transcript button and quickly take it in):

http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2016-09-12/ann-patchett-on-her-seventh-novel-commonwealth


The book cover is too beautiful not to include:

The secret edition has patterned endpapers featuring:

Happy Reading,
LK